
4 minute read
RESPECTING SCOTLAND’S MOUNTAINS
CHAMPIONING ACCESS RIGHTS
Of the 104 access enquiries we received in 2021-22, a significant number were related to vehicular access and accessibility for walking and climbing, rather than access obstructions themselves. Car parking availability and roadside verge parking were matters high on the rural agenda, with restrictions imposed in places to limit the number of visitors.
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While not strictly an access issue, accessibility to the countryside is clearly a matter of national importance for visitors and residents alike.
We met with Perth & Kinross Council about the parking restrictions on some rural roads which were designed to deal with roadside camping but have had the unintended effect of restricting parking for routes to popular Munros and Corbetts. The Council are now aware of the key points and have agreed to look at solutions when resources are available.
Matters not compliant with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code were reported to local authority Access Officers, but these can take time to resolve due to limited local authority resources.
Nesting bird updates continued, with some discussion with raptor study groups about early precautionary notices on long-established crags.
FORESTRY AND ACCESS TO HILLS & SUMMITS
Representations were made on 23 forestry proposals, either new planting schemes, or felling and restocking of existing forest plantations.
The main focus of comments was consideration for informal routes up and down hillsides. Many schemes undertake a desk study of Core Path and Rights of Way, but often overlook lines taken through woodlands to nearby summits. Munros have been included as a destination in recent plans, but there are also the other hill tops that are more popular than consultants may realise when drawing up their plans for crossing points.
There were 14 enquiries about deer stalking and forestry plantation issues regarding high deer fences crossing informal path, with no gates, and locked gates on tracks with no easy way over.
CLIMBING IN NEWTYLE QUARRY
Following discussions with Perth & Kinross Council and the quarry operator on the landscaping of Newtyle Quarry, Dunkeld, it was agreed that climbing routes there would be reinstated after rock extraction is finished.
REIFF, NEAR ACHILTIBUIE
Climbing at the popular sea cliffs has been difficult to access due to blockage of the roadside verge – where climbers traditionally park – with agricultural machinery by a local crofter. We raised this with The Highland Council who informed the crofter that the machinery must be removed, but removal has been slow and may continue to cause parking problems for both climbers and residents.
We also contacted the elected Councillors for the area requesting their assistance in seeking a solution, firstly to clear the obstructions and reinstate the traditional parking space, and secondly to find dedicated parking space to avoid this happening again in future. The Councillor representing the area is in discussion with the Community Council on this matter.
REPRESENTING MOUNTAINEERING INTERESTS
Regularly attended and contributed to National Access Forum meetings and participated in reviewing the guidance on managing camping with tents, and future funding for upland paths.
Active member of the Scottish Outdoor Recreation Alliance, an informal group of organisations with common interest in outdoor recreation matters.
Met with Scottish Forestry, Forestry and Land Scotland and Confor, the industry body, to discuss recreational access provision and consultations on new forestry planting proposals.
LEANACHAN FOREST & ACCESS TO AONACH MOR
We continue to press for foot access to Aonach Mor from the north through Leanachan Forest, avoiding the downhill mountain biking trails.
A site visit with the local Forestry and Land Scotland manager was arranged to discuss the situation and options available, with a report being produced stating the case for creating foot access up and down the hillside. Forestry Land Scotland is now discussing foot access with the Nevis Range ski resort.
STRATHFARRAR WINTER VEHICLE ACCESS
After the Covid-19 travel restrictions were lifted, we sought the opportunity to revisit the winter vehicle access arrangement to Glen Strathfarrar for Mountaineering Scotland members, to balance the commercial interests of the estate whilst enabling mountaineers and hillwalkers to access the hills responsibly.
PROTECTING MOUNTAIN LANDSCAPES
117 DEVELOPMENT PLANNING CASES REVIEWED IN 2021-22
Some required a quick review and no action, others required detailed assessment and a considered response. They were predominantly windfarm proposals with some associated powerlines, and forestry plans.
52 WINDFARM CASES AT DIFFERENT STAGES OF THE PLANNING PROCESS WERE REVIEWED THIS YEAR
A trend that was noted was schemes granted consent but not built, then subsequently resubmitted back into the process for more turbines or taller turbines once the principle of a windfarm at that location was accepted.
10 OBJECTIONS TO WINDFARM PROPOSALS HAVE BEEN SUBMITTED BY MOUNTAINEERING SCOTLAND...
in the past 3- 4 years as having an unacceptable impact on mountain landscape. Many thanks to the volunteers who have put in a huge amount of time and effort into reviewing proposals and submitting formal objections where appropriate.
Estate staff proposed some restrictive conditions on vehicular access which we felt were unacceptable. A meeting in December 2021 highlighted a difference of opinion about some aspects of the access agreement, although there was constructive discussion about the suggested terms of access proposed.
Slow progress in negotiations after Christmas hadn’t reached any final agreement, but we were hopeful that a conclusion would be forthcoming in the summer of 2022 following further discussions.
